OSHKOSH - The Oshkosh Common Council approved a controversial proposal to require inspections of all rental properties within the city.

Councilor Caroline Panske was the only member to vote against the ordinance.

Proponents say the inspections, which would occur every five years, would help improve health and safety for tenants in the city. Opponents, including the Winnebago Apartment Association and the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, have called the measure governmental overreach that amounts to a “money grab” by the city.

While the ordinance does not specify fee amounts, city officials are thinking it will be $150 for a single-family home and an additional $75 a unit for multi-family buildings on a five-year rotation, said John Zarate, the city's chief building official. Inspections will begin in January.

The ordinance also will establish a registry of all rental properties within the city.

Councilors also approved creating a Rental Housing Advisory Board, which will help refine the rental registry and inspections programs, establish policy and address concerns dealing with rental housing issues within the city.

Reach Nathaniel Shuda at 920-426-6632 or nshuda@thenorthwestern.com; on Twitter: @onwnshuda.